The Minnesota Zoo with Beth Burns

Our program on December 9^th was a presentation on the Minnesota Zoo by Beth Burns, VP for Ex

ternal Relations. The Minnesota Zoo, located in Apple Valley, is a state agency – one of two zoos in the countr

y run by a state.

 

The numbers she gave us were interesting. The zoo covers 500 acres, and has 270 employees.

 It is open 363 days a year, although there are employees there every day to feed the animals. They count 4,70

0 animals in their zoo, excluding mice and mosquitos. They generate $146 million annually in income. They get 22% of t

heir funds from the state, but return two times that amount to the state each year.

 

Zoos are no longer a collection of pens holding animals for display. The exhibit areas are now replica

s of the particular animals natural environments. There are miles of walkways for people, and enclosed viewing areas. There are programs held at the zoo year-round, including music programs featuring famous performers. The zoo mission statement. The ultimate goal of the zoo is to further conservation efforts by familiarizing the public with all species of animals.